Public Affairs Officer

The Public Affairs Officer (PAO) is responsible for the coordination of all media releases and the scheduling of press conferences related to the incident. The PAO may also establish a Joint Information Bureau (JIB) to facilitate the coordinated release of available information. The PAO is to develop accurate and complete information regarding the incident cause, size, current situation, and other matters of general interest for broad casting to the media. The PAO is normally the point of contact for the media and other governmental agencies that desire information directly about the incident. The PAO may designate assistants from other governmental or industry sources.